About WorldFish

“WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for their livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org”

About the Position 

Ikan Ba Futuru, a five-year program funded by the Minderoo Foundation, aims to support equitable and sustainable development and management of key fishery resources in Timor-Leste, focusing on south coast fisheries, communities and marine habitats.

The program has three key outcomes. The first outcome aims to improve tenure rights and empower women and men fishers through active, equitable and collaborative partnerships for coastal and fisheries management. This outcome will be led by Blue Ventures and activities will include the development and support of community fisheries monitoring groups, guidance on locally significant fisheries management approaches as well as the establishment of community led Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing monitoring and reporting by using a smartphone app.

Outcome two aims to generate scientific data and information needed to support and guide community fisheries management initiatives and fisheries policy. This will include an investigation of the status of marine resources and habitats along the south coast of Timor-Leste. Habitat and fish population surveys, using cameras, will be conducted during extensive fieldwork periods.

The third outcome will use the lessons learnt and data gathered from outcomes 1 and 2 to further guide and finalise existing draft national policies and regulations, as well as help expand successful approaches to a national scale.

The field officer/boat operator will be based at the Ikan Ba Futuru program office in Betano to support outcomes 1 and 2 – supporting ecological research and its integration of community engagement and co-management. The successful candidate will focus their time on ecological surveys (taking the boat operator lead for the program). Support will also be provided to community engagement activities and information sharing.

This is the perfect position for someone with extensive ocean and boat experience, relevant training and interested in human and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries management, and who is looking for an opportunity to personally contribute to sustainable development in Timor-Leste. Activities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate the program boat during ecological surveys – fieldwork will be on the south coast of Timor-Leste.
• Oversee the day-to-day maintenance and management of the program boat and related equipment.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of technical field and safety equipment.
• Assist with ecological surveys.
• Assist with ecological survey data collection and management.
• Assist with community coordination and engagement for both outcomes 1 and 2 – specifically information sharing activities.
• Assist in the implementation of fisher and household surveys when needed.
• Support frequent and effective coordination and communication with community and cultural leaders, fisher groups and government officials.
• Maintain strong working partnerships with relevant local authorities, project partners, the WorldFish Country Office and ensure they are kept well informed of all relevant project activities.
• Foster, establish and maintain links with other related projects and collaborative actors in various municipalities.
• Undertake any other duties that might arise as part of Ikan Ba Futuru implementation.

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years or more experience in driving a motorised boat at sea.
• A minimum of 5 years or more experience in boat maintenance.
• Experience in conducting ecological surveys and fieldwork.
• Interested in marine science and field research.
• Background in community engagement coordination and working with an international NGO.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently within a team and enjoy working with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Basic communications skills in English (both spoken and written).
• Fluency in Tetum language.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Ability to drive a motorized boat at sea.
• Ability to conduct long days of boat-based fieldwork in exposed waters.
• Interest in marine science.
• Ability to take initiative and drive project implementation.
• Computer literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience in working for an international NGO.
• Knowledge of local fish species.
• Basic first aid training.
• Background in community engagement and coordination.

Benefits

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave, and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

How to Apply

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by no later than 23:59 (MYT), 18 September 2024.

Location: The post holder will be based in Dili, Timor Leste.

Screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued, and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.